A Great Responsibility: The United States National Parks

Are you looking for a cheap place to vacation this Summer? Perhaps you don't want to travel too far from your home? Of course you are looking for a memorable experience, something you will really enjoy. If this is the case then look no further then one of the protected areas under the jurisdiction of the United States National Park System.

The United States National Park system is under the responsibility of the National Park Service. The National Park Service was created by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1916. The purpose of the park system was to create an environment within set aside areas of land that would allow the land to continue to exist for the enjoyment of people yet to come.

Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming was the Nation's first, dedicated in 1872, even before the establishment of the National Park System. Also in Wyoming is Devils Tower, the nations first national monument, dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. This small organization of caretakers of our national parks started out relatively small, but clearly that is no longer the case.

This small government agency has now grown to the point where it oversees over 390 separate protected areas and employs almost 22,000 federal workers. As a part of the 390 protected areas are almost 60 National Parks, ranging in size from 13,200,000 acres in Alaska, to national historic places that are smaller than.02 acres.

There are national parks in over 50% of the states in the United States so chances are that no matter what part of the country that you live in, there is a national park somewhere nearby.

Yosemite, Redwood and Sequoia are all close to residents of California, northern Nevada and Oregon. Utah has Arches, Canyonlands and Zion. If you live in Arizona or the Four Corners area then you are not too far from Mesa Verde. People that live in or near North Carolina can visit Shenandoah and everyone, at some time, should visit Yellowstone in Wyoming.

It does not cost very much either to enter national parks. Most have per vehicle fees that are somewhere between $6-$24. If you are planning a trip to see multiple national parks then perhaps you will want to consider purchasing a national park pass that is good for a year. These passes can be purchased from the National Park Service and cost around $80.

We hope that this short article has motivated you to take some time to considering visiting at least one of our national parks. If you like it can only be a short trip, lasting less than a full day, or you can spend more time, weeks even, backpacking and camping in the backcountry (permit required). No matter what you decide, we wish you the best of luck.